Disorder - Motor Neuron Disease, Lower

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative Names
Lower Motoneuron Disease

Brief Description

Lower motor neuron disease is a disorder of the nervous system affecting the nerves responsible for muscle control. This results in an inability to control muscle function to varying degrees.

Presenting Signs

Signs of lower motor neuron disease range in severity but are usually seen as some degree of muscular dysfunction in the limbs, ranging anywhere from muscle weakness to complete quadriplegia. The dog's normal reflexes may be weak or completely absent, muscular tension may be reduced or absent and there may be a decrease in the size and strength of muscles due to a lack of use. Some animals may be seen to have permanently flexed joints. Dogs with milder cases of this disease are often described as having a 'seal like gait' due to the partial paralysis of their limbs.

PubMed References
Motor Neuron Disease, Lower

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
662


Contributor
Evan Cariola